Heart Rate

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique? What are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

HR measures the number of contractions per minute.
Gives an indication of general fitness wellbeing and presence of illness or pathology.

Question 2

How do you know the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Refer to a chart based on age for rough idea. Compare to norms.

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out the technique.

Answer 3

Avoid consumption of caffeinated products such as coffee, cola, or tea, smoking and exercise at least 30mins prior to testing.
Patient should be rested for 10 mins prior.
Patient should not talk or move during the test.

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Assessing the number of times your heart completes a full cycle and pumps blood around the body.
Can be a basic measure of blood flow to the limbs if there is concern it could be impacted due to injury or disease.

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

None

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Acute disorders affecting test performance e.g. vomiting, nausea, vertigo.
Avoid open wounds or skin irritation
Carotid pulse - be cautious of vagus nerve which when stimulated could cause drop on HR

Question 7

How do you perform Radial HR

Answer 7

1. Hold persons arm so it’s straight with hand facing upwards
2. place first and middle finger on their wrist, lateral to the flexor tendons.
3. Using a clock, count how many beats you feel in 30sec x2.
4. If rhythm or strength is irregular, measure for 60 seconds.